resilience | lent devotions

“I am delighted to see your good discipline [as you stand shoulder to shoulder and form a solid front] and to see the stability of your faith in Christ [your steadfast reliance on Him and your unwavering confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].” Colossians 2 5-7, AMP.

Paul uses the word “see” in this passage even though he is not physically present with the people he writes to (in fact, he is in prison many miles away). Even at a distance, though, Paul knows the Colossians exercise strong, confident faith. There is order, unity, and harmony among them. Paul’s heart is with this fledgling church and part of his joy is that they are growing in faith and knowledge, without needing an apostle like him to be there in person (Colossians 1:7). The Colossians have taken responsibility for their spiritual growth.

We need to do the same. Developing resilience takes work. There is discipline involved in choosing to grow in the things of God. Be determined, today, to invest in your spiritual development. The joy Paul expresses over this church is a shadow of the joy the Father feels when he thinks about you and how you’re maturing in Christ. Listen to him urging you on today, “Stay disciplined, keep walking in Christ, stay deeply rooted, keep being built up, hold on to the things you’ve been taught. Grow!”

Let’s pray
Thank you, Father, that you rejoice over me with singing and have given me everything I need for living a godly life. Strengthen me in my innermost being and help me grow in my faith and love for you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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